What Is 'Enrichment' For Dogs, Anyway?

by Ashley Demers

Dogs typically have very different experiences of their days than we do. While we take everything in via sight and sound, bustling about and having interactions with other people, we are stimulating our minds, using our brains and/or bodies, and tiring ourselves out for the day. But for a pet dog, a large part of the day is often spent alone, possibly confined. This is through no fault of our own of course- we have to work and leave the house for things like errands and socializing, and most workplaces (and some businesses) aren't pet friendly. Enrichment for a dog can take on different forms, but basically means anything different from their daily routine, that engages them in actively thinking, learning, problem solving, sniffing, playing, etc. As I've mentioned in a previous post, dogs have emotional "cups", and are happiest and calmest when those are "full".

Walks are a great way to fill the cup. We take in our world through sight and sound, but for dogs, they largely experience their lives through scent. Allowing a dog time for leisurely sniffs on a walk is like letting a child watch a movie. There's all kinds of information to be gained from the scents left behind by other dogs, people's shoes, plants, vehicles, you name it. Changing up your route is a good way to keep the walks from getting too routine, exposing your dog to different smells and sights. If your dog has a very reliable recall, off leash hikes are perfect because it allows your dog to engage in behaviour that they would if they were not domesticated- exploring, running, and sniffing as they please. Just be cautious of hazards, such as bodies of water, and be considerate of other hikers- call your dog back to you when required. Consider staying on leash until you can improve recall through practice if you're not 100% certain they'd return to you if they saw an exciting trigger, like ponds with algae, wildlife or another dog for example. Indoors, the fun doesn't have to stop! Nose games are perfect for a rainy day- put your dog in a sit-stay, or use a barrier like a baby gate while you hide food and treats around your house. Let some be obvious scattered out on the floor, and put some in trickier places- behind a chair leg, amidst a pile of dog toys, on baseboards or trim, in corners, get creative. Hide and Seek isn't just for kids- involve the dog! Put your dog in a sit-stay or have someone hold on to them while you and as many other people as possible hide out of sight of the dog. Make it challenging but not TOO challenging- hide behind doors, under beds, etc. Once you're good and hidden, call your dog's name. Keep calling, leaving a few seconds between calls to allow them to move around and sniff to seek you out. When (s)he finds you, reward and praise and do it all over again.

Got a super active pup with high exercise needs? Take an agility class or invest in some inexpensive backyard equipment and see if you can get your dog running your very own agility course at home! You can even make your own jumps with PVC pipes. The combination of the physical challenge of agility, mixed with your dog being focused on you and your commands is so incredibly fun and rewarding. Pet supply stores and online retailers can supply you with great puzzle toys. Try a tricky treat dispensing toy to get your dog thinking and using those problem solving skills. Change it up once in awhile so the challenge is ongoing, leaving as much time as possible between repeating the use of each toy. If you have more than one dog, it's really interesting to see the different ways the other(s) go about solving puzzles. You can also DIY it with just some wooden dowels and empty pop bottles! This also great for dogs who eat too quickly, as it can slow them down between bites and reduce the risk of bloat. Playtime with other dogs is awesome whenever possible. If your dog is social, consider reputable dog parks, make doggie playdates with friends and neighbours, or even seek out a reputable daycare. When dogs get to truly just "be dogs" and goof around, it makes them truly happy at a core level. Meeting new people or spending time with friendly humans is also a great way for dogs to get some mental stimulation. Call around to businesses and ask if they allow calm dogs to visit. Some Home Depot and Lowe's locations allow this for example, and I've known some Ayr businesses to be welcoming to leashed dogs as well of course! Have a friend over for coffee and dog cuddles, or even hire a dog walker or pet sitter to keep your pet company when you can't be there. And hey, my belief is that something is better than nothing. If we have time for 15 minutes of play with our dogs but not 30, that still counts. If we have time for a short walk but not a long one, it's still worth the outing. We're all just doing our best in a world that keeps us busy.